1995 Other Mitsubishi Models Engine Cutting Out

BRANTSR

MEMBER
1995 MITSUBISHI
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
158,285 MILES

I have a 1995 Mitsubishi Mighty Max truck with 158,000 miles. When the engine is at normal operating temperatures the engine can suddenly start cutting out while driving. It does not do this while idling. This problem is especially more prevalent when the AC is running. Last year I had the EMC rebuilt due to there are no more new ones available and used ones I am told won't work as they cannot be programmed for another engine even if it is the same model etc.
I just had a tune-up, replaced the gas filter and still no luck. I have had it to an electrical shop and hooked up to diagnostics and everything appears normal. I have spent several thousand dollars on this truck in the last 12 months. I am at my wits end. Any suggestions?

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi BrantSr,

I don't know if I am able to help but I will try.

I need more information to understand the situation better.

Does the problem happen at specific

1. Speeds or range? Eg. Between 30 to 40 mph

2. Gear range?

3. Fuel tank level?

4. Driving distance?

5. Driving time?

Just before the problem occurs are there any indications, eg. Lack of power, AC not as cold

After the engine cuts, was starting easy?

Are all the gauges/meters functioning properly? Eg, speedo, temp.

How often does the problem occur and at what frequency during a trip?

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Saturday, May 31st, 2008 AT 10:09 AM

BRANTSR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

KHLow2008,
The problem happens only in the spring and summer months (warmer weather) and does not happen at all in the winter (cooler weather).
1. Speed ranges - 2 to 70 mph.
2. Gear range - any.
3. Fuel level - any.
4. Driving distance - usually after normal engine temperature has been reached - 7 to 10 miles.
5. Driving time - 10 minutes.
6. Problem indications - none. It does appear more often when AC is on but it does not have to be on for problem to occur.
7. Engine starting after problem - easy, engine starts right up.
8. Check engine light can come on but not always. All gauges operating normally.
9. Problem frequency - Not daily, but can happen several days a week or may go a week without no problems.
Items checked and replaced as follows; Brain - rebuilt, complete tune-up, alternator, starter and fuel pump wires and components checked. Full diagnostics run at trusted electrical shop. Fuel filter replaced.
On advice of another web site, cam shaft positioning sensor and distributor have just been replaced. No problems since last repair but have had minimum driving time since.
Any further ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
BrantSr

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Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 7:42 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi BrantSr,

Based on the data that you have given, it is an intermittent problem with the source most likely to be sensors, relays or connections.

During summer the hotter weather will cause higher resistance at points of connection that are not that secure, eg loose connector clips, soldering points of relay internal circuits etc.

Since you have recently replace the distributor and cam sensors and all seems well, we can only wait and hope that the problem has been solved.

Good luck.
When the check engine lights do appear, were you able to to extract the error code?

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Sunday, June 1st, 2008 AT 9:41 AM